Holidays beyond the Eurozone

Where to enjoy a European vacation without using the Euro

By
Chris Moss
26 July 2011

BulgariaWhy go? It’s the new RomaniaBulgaria is so hot right now, and not just because of the reliable Black Sea sunshine. The up-and-coming holiday destination is overtaking Spain and Greece with its 200 kilometres of golden sands, gentle (and child-friendly) tides and food and drink that come at much cheaper prices. Enjoy spending your Bulgarian lev on excursions to Roman ruins, vineyards and ancient castles and monasteries.Fly to Sofia via Moscow with Aeroflot from Dhs3,265 return, www.aeroflot.ru/cms/en

CroatiaWhy go? It’s the new GreeceThis country has it all: beaches, sun, islands and the Croatian kuna currency. Keep costs under control by dining where the locals dine, and even if you normally travel independently, consider an off-peak package and just use the flight and perhaps the hotel as a base for a few days before you go off to explore. Fly to Zagreb via Munich with Lufthansa from Dhs4,775 return, www.lufthansa.com

IcelandWhy go? It’s the new ScandinaviaIn Iceland the currency is the krona. For many years it was a strong currency, not worth changing your notes to, but since the Icelandic economy imploded in late 2008, this remote island has become a viable option even for budget travellers. Prices for the Blue Lagoon geothermal pools, accommodation, Northern Lights excursions and, yes, even hops in the teeming bars of Reykjavik have gone down significantly. See the Iceland tourist board website (www.visiticeland.com) for information. Fly to Reykjavik via Qatar and Frankfurt with Qatar Airways and Icelandair from Dhs5,100 return, www.qatarairways.com; www.icelandair.com

The Isle of ManWhy go? It’s the new IrelandAs Ken Dodd once pointed out, ‘No man is an island, apart from the Isle of Man.’ His remark encapsulated a society set aside from the mainland (it’s right in the middle of the Irish Sea) and determined to maintain its own identity, whether through the running of a perilous motorcycle race – the famous Tourist Trophy (TT) held every year from May to June – to managing its own political affairs and using the Manx pound. But now the island is looking to reinvent itself as a weekend destination, on the basis of its fantastic scenery, great seafood and unique and important history. Fly to the Isle of Man via London with Emirates and Fly Be from Dhs5,100 return, www.emirates.com; www.flybe.com

LithuaniaWhy go? It’s the new PolandCheap as chips Lithuania – the largest of the Baltic States – still has the litas currency, which has been pegged to the euro at the rate of 1:3.5 since 2002. The country enjoyed an economic boom following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and its proud citizens will wax lyrical about the country’s beautiful, forest-filled countryside. Vilnius, the tiny capital, was European Capital of Culture in 2009, and has art galleries and baroque architecture aplenty, while eating out in cafés and restaurants is extremely kind on the wallet. Lithuania is planning to join the eurozone in January 2013, so get in there while the going’s good.Fly to Vilnius via Borispol, Kiev with Aerosvit Airlines and Ukraine Intnl. Air from Dhs5,100 return, www.aerosvit.com; www.flyuia.com

MoldovaWhy go? It’s the new FranceOkay, so there are some obvious differences between the two countries (not least the cuisine), but the Republic of Moldova, situated between Romania and the Ukraine, has been raising its stakes in the international vine market of late – giving France a run for its money. A mild climate and plenty of green hills explain why viticulture and winemaking have been principal occupations here for centuries, with recent varieties including some excellent pinot noirs and sauvignons. Get there while the Moldovan leu is still the currency – the possibility of a change of currency over the next few years is fairly strong, as the country has its sights on EU membership. Fly to Chisinau via Otopeni, Bucharest with Tarom and Aerosvit Airlines from Dhs3,183 return, www.tarom.ro/en; www.aerosvit.com

TurkeyWhy go? it’s the new SpainSpain is ‘so last summer’, so instead head to Turkey. Still not accepted into the EU, the country’s currency is the Turkish lira. Enjoy spending it on freshly baked pitta bread, nutty houmous and apple tea instead of seafood-bereft paellas and Full Englishes. In summer 2009 Turkey replaced Spain as the No.1 destination for UK visitors. Fly to Istanbul with Fly Dubai from Dhs1,457 return, www.flydubai.com

The Turkish Republic of Northern CyprusWhy go? It’s the new, er, CyprusWant reliable sun, tasty food, Brit-free beaches and something to tell the neighbours? Then head to Northern Cyprus, owned by Turkey. Here you can indulge in a Cypriot welcome while spending Turkish lira, rather than the Cypriot euro. You can’t fly there directly, but to make the trip via Turkey less painful, why not combine it with a break in Istanbul? Fly to Nicosia via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines from Dhs4,433 return, www.turkishairlines.com